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1. What is Valley Visions?

Valley Visions is a series of planning efforts underway throughout the San Joaquin Valley.
It takes a big-picture look at how the Central Valley can grow over time in a way that uses resources efficiently, protects existing communities, conserves farmland and open space, and supports the Central Valley economy. Planning in advance for growth can result in better neighborhoods, more housing and transportation choices, and a higher quality of life for residents.

The regional plans consider long-term housing, transportation and land use needs. Each region in California, including the eight counties of the Central Valley, is required to complete a long-term plan under Senate Bill 375 (SB 375). The eight counties of the San Joaquin Valley are coordinating on some aspects of these planning efforts to maximize resources, however each Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is developing a separate plan.

2. Why are we doing this?

There are laws that require these regional plans, but this is also an opportunity to think about how we want our region to grow and evolve over the next several years in a way that meets our needs and matches our values.

MPOs are agencies that set transportation policy and priorities for a region, outlining how transportation funds will be spent.

There are 18 MPOs in California, including 8 in the San Joaquin Valley. Each is required by state and federal laws to develop a long-range plan to guide transportation investment in the region. These Regional Transportation Plans are updated every four years to reflect current population, employment and travel projections as well as changes in local plans and regional transportation priorities.

A new requirement, added by SB 375, asks planners to also consider how land use and transportation planning can be coordinated to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This means planning for housing, jobs and services to be located in a way that helps reduce the amount we travel day-to-day in our cars and trucks.

3. What will these plans do?

SB375 requires that an MPO develop a plan called a Sustainable Communities Strategy
(SCS) that accomplishes three things:

• Identifies areas to house the region’s population growth for at least the next
  25 years. This includes households at all income levels.


• Develops a Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) that meets the needs of the
  region.


• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles and light trucks.

4. How does this relate to the Blueprint Planning Process?

The Blueprint was a regional planning effort to identify priorities and preferences for
long-term growth in the valley. These plans and the input gathered during that process
will support and guide Valley Visions plans. The resulting plans will be distinct from, but
build upon, earlier Blueprint efforts.

5. Who will prepare the Valley Vision plans and when?

It depends on which county you live in. Each of the eight MPOs in the San Joaquin Valley
is responsible for preparing these plans, with input from residents and other
stakeholders. They will work closely with local cities, transportation agencies and
community groups to get input into these plans. Everyone interested is invited to
participate in this process to help shape our community’s future. Most of the Valley
Visions plans will be complete by the end of 2013.

6. How can we talk about growth in this economy? What about jobs?

The San Joaquin Valley’s economy is likely to improve as the national economy recovers.
Planning for efficient land use and transportation systems makes the region more
attractive to potential employers and residents, which will support long-term growth
and prosperity. Housing, transportation, and supporting infrastructure need to be
developed for job growth so that businesses can operate successfully and workers can
live nearby and get to work easily.

7. What does it mean to coordinate land use and transportation plans?

Public agencies regularly create and update land use and transportation plans, but these
are not always done together or even in coordination. The plans being created under
Valley Visions will consider both land use and transportation together, recognizing that
land use affects how and where people live, work, and travel. If we know what land use
changes are likely to occur, we can better plan our transportation systems to meet
those needs. Likewise, land uses may change based on how the transportation system is
working. For example, road congestion may discourage employers from locating on
those corridors.